Physical exercise device

ABSTRACT

A physical exercise device includes a base frame positionable generally horizontally on a floor surface, an upright frame connected to the base frame, the upright frame rising from the base frame and having a grip portion above the base frame, and a cushion disposed on the base frame and below the grip portion, a distance between the cushion and the grip portion being such that a user is able to lie on the cushion and grasp the grip portion with at least one hand.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This U.S. Patent Application claims priority to Taiwan Utility Model Application No. 106205660 filed on Apr. 21, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to physical exercise devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various exercise devices are currently available on the market for facilitating the practice of physical exercises at home. Some existing exercise devices may have a compact size, but are usually limited in use for working only some specific parts of a body. Other multifunctional exercise devices may be more adapted for working different parts of a body, but have a more complex construction that cannot be easily stored.

Therefore, there is a need for a physical exercise device that can be convenient to use, and can address at least the foregoing issues.

SUMMARY

The present application describes a physical exercise device that can be installed adjacent to a sleeping bed or any suitable location in accordance with a user's need. The physical exercise device includes a base frame positionable generally horizontally on a floor surface, an upright frame connected to the base frame, the upright frame rising from the base frame and having a grip portion above the base frame, and a cushion disposed on the base frame and below the grip portion, a distance between the cushion and the grip portion being such that a user is able to lie on the cushion and grasp the grip portion with at least one hand.

The physical exercise device described herein may be suitable for practicing different types of physical exercises. For example, a user can lie on the cushion, grasp the grip portion of the upright frame with one or both hand, and perform physical exercises like sit-ups by raising and lowering the upper body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a physical exercise device;

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a detachable structure for the physical exercise device;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the physical exercise device further including a cushion; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary use of the physical exercise device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a physical exercise device. The physical exercise device includes a base frame 11 and an upright frame 12. In use, the base frame 11 and the upright frame 12 are connected to each other, the base frame 11 can be positioned generally horizontally on a floor surface, and the upright frame 12 can rise generally perpendicular from the base frame 11. According to an example of construction, the base frame 11 can have a closed shape, and a left and a right side of the upright frame 12 can be respectively connected to the base frame 11. According to an example of construction, the upright frame 12 can include two side segments 120 and a cross bar 13. The two side segments 120 can be respectively disposed at the left and right sides generally parallel to each other, and can have lower ends respectively connected to the base frame 11. The cross bar 13 can be oppositely connected to the two side segments 120 and can extend above the base frame 11, whereby a space may be delimited at least partially between the two side segments 120 and the cross bar 13 of the upright frame 12 and the base frame 11 for positioning a user's body. The upright frame 12 can have any suitable shape, for example, a reverse U-shape with the cross bar 13 forming an enlarged base of the U-shape as shown in FIG. 1. A user positioned in the space between the two side segments 120 may hold and grasp the cross bar 13 for practicing physical exercises as described hereinafter.

According to one embodiment, the physical exercise device described herein can have a detachable structure for facilitating its storage and portability. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a detachable structure for the physical exercise device. Referring to FIG. 2, the base frame 11 of the physical exercise device can be a generally rectangular frame comprised of two transversal frame portions 112, two longitudinal frame portions 114, and a plurality of joints 111 fixedly attaching the transversal frame portions 112 and the longitudinal frame portions 114 together. The transversal frame portions 112 and the longitudinal frame portions 114 can be exemplary elongate bars or tubes. The two longitudinal frame portions 114 can be generally parallel to each other at two opposite sides of the base frame 11, and the transversal frame portions 112 can be generally parallel to each other at two other opposite sides of the base frame 11 contiguous to the two longitudinal frame portions 114. The joints 111 can be respectively disposed adjacent to the corners of the base frame 11. The base frame 111 can be disassembled by detaching the transversal frame portions 112 and the longitudinal frame portions 114 from the joints 111.

Referring to FIG. 2, the upright frame 12 can include two side segments 121, and a cross bar 122 oppositely connected to the two side segments 121. The side segments 121 and the cross bar 122 can be exemplary elongate bars or tubes. Moreover, the cross bar 122 can have a grip portion 130 for facilitating hand grasping. The grip portion 130 can include, e.g., flexible materials. The two side segments 121 of the upright frame 12 can be respectively attached to the two longitudinal frame portions 114 via two coupling parts 113 respectively provided on the two longitudinal frame portions 114. For example, each of the coupling parts 113 can have a sleeve portion into which one side segment 121 can be detachably assembled. The base frame 11 and the upright frame 12 can thereby delimit at least partially a space below the grip portion 130 suitable for positioning a user's body lying generally horizontally.

According to at least one embodiment, the respective connections between the coupling parts 113 and the longitudinal frame portions 114 may be configured to allow sliding movements of the coupling parts 113 along the longitudinal frame portions 114. In this manner, the upright frame 12 and the coupling parts 113 can slide in unison along the longitudinal frame portions 114 for adjusting a longitudinal position of the upright frame 12 on the base frame 11.

According to at least one embodiment, the respective connections between the coupling parts 113 and the side segments 121 may be configured to allow vertical adjustment of the upright frame 12 relative to the base frame 11 for positioning the grip portion 130 at a desirable height above the base frame 11. For example, the side segments 121 may slide upward and downward through the sleeve portions of the coupling parts 113 for vertically adjusting the upright frame 12 relative to the base frame 11. Once the upright frame 12 is disposed at a desirable vertical position, fasteners 116 can be respectively engaged with the side segments 121 and the coupling parts 113 at any of multiple selectable positions to lock the vertical position of the upright frame 12 on the base frame 11. The fasteners 116 can include, e.g., screws that can engage through the coupling parts 113 and the side segments 121.

At least some component parts of the physical exercise device may be made of rigid and/or resilient materials, which may include, without limitation, plastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), metals, or combinations thereof. The grip portion 130 can include a soft material such as sponge, foam, fabrics and the like. Moreover, the transversal frame portions 112 and the longitudinal frame portions 114 of the base frame 11, and the side segments 121 and the cross bar 122 of the upright frame 12 may include generally cylindrical or prismatic tubes.

Although an example of a detachable construction has been illustrated herein, the physical exercise device may be implemented with more or less detachable elements as desired.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the physical exercise device may further include a cushion 14. The cushion 14 can be disposed on the base frame 11 and below the grip portion 130 of the upright frame 12. The two side segments 121 of the upright frame 12 connecting to the coupling parts 113 can respectively stand at a left and a right side of the cushion 14, so that the upright frame 12 can extend above and across the cushion 14. The cushion 14 may include a flexible or elastic material so that a user can comfortably lie down thereon. A vertical distance between the cushion 14 and the grip portion 130 is smaller than the height of a user. For example, the vertical distance between the cushion 14 and the grip portion 130 can be equal to or greater than about the length of a user's arm, so that the user can lie down on the cushion 14 and grasp the grip portion 130 of the upright frame 12 with both hands. For a more comfortable and suitable use, a user can adjust the position of the upright frame 12 relative to the user's body by sliding the coupling parts 113 along the longitudinal frame portions 114.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary use of the physical exercise device. Referring to FIG. 4, the physical exercise device may be placed with the base frame 11 positioned generally horizontally on a floor surface. A user lying generally horizontally on the cushion 14 between the two side segments 121 of the upright frame 12 can grasp the grip portion 130 with one or both hands, and repeat a sequence of actions including raising and lowering the upper body on the cushion 14, similar to a sit-up exercise. This physical exercise may be accompanied with adequate breathing control to enhance blood circulation, and may be suitable to exercise muscles of the arms, shoulder, chest, abdomen, and the like.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing illustrates only one example of exercise that may be performed with the physical exercise device provided herein. A user may also use the physical exercise device to practice other types of physical exercises as desired. The physical exercise device described herein can thus assist a user in performing physical exercises in a convenient way, which may contribute to maintain a user's interest in regular practice of physical exercises.

In some embodiments, the cushion 14 may be a mattress of a sleeping bed. The base frame 11 can be disposed at an underside of the mattress, and the upright frame 12 can extend above the mattress. In this manner, a user can lie on the bed between the two side segments 121, and practice physical exercises while grasping the grip portion 130 of the upright frame 12 with both hands. The height of the upright frame 12 above the bed may be adjusted in accordance with the height of the bed and the size of the user's body to offer comfortable use. When the physical exercise device is not used, the upright frame 12 may be easily detached from the base frame 11 for convenient storage without affecting the user's sleeping environment. Accordingly, the physical exercise device described herein may be suitable for bedridden patients who need to practice rehabilitation exercises.

Advantages of the physical exercise device described herein include a relatively simple structure that does not occupy a substantial amount of space, can adopt a detachable construction, and may be particularly suitable for use at home.

Realization of the physical exercise device has been described in the context of particular embodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A physical exercise device comprising: a base frame positionable generally horizontally on a floor surface; an upright frame connected to the base frame, the upright frame rising from the base frame and having a grip portion above the base frame; and a cushion disposed on the base frame and below the grip portion, a distance between the cushion and the grip portion being such that a user is able to lie on the cushion and grasp the grip portion with at least one hand.
 2. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the base frame is a generally rectangular frame.
 3. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the upright frame includes two side segments and a cross bar, the two side segments being respectively disposed at a left and a right side of the cushion and having lower ends respectively connected to the base frame, and the cross bar being oppositely connected to the two side segments and having the grip portion placed thereon.
 4. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the upright frame has a reverse U-shape.
 5. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the upright frame is slidable along the base frame for adjustment.
 6. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the upright frame is slidable upward and downward relative to the base frame for adjusting a height of the grip portion above the base frame.
 7. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the base frame includes a longitudinal frame portion and a coupling part connected to each other, and the upright frame is connected to the coupling part.
 8. The physical exercise device according to claim 7, wherein the upright frame and the coupling part are slidable in unison along the longitudinal frame portion for adjusting a longitudinal position of the upright frame on the base frame.
 9. The physical exercise device according to claim 7, wherein the upright frame is slidable upward and downward relative to the coupling part for adjusting a height of the grip portion above the base frame.
 10. The physical exercise device according to claim 9, wherein a vertical position of the upright frame relative to the base frame is locked with a plurality of fasteners engaging with the coupling part and the upright frame.
 11. The physical exercise device according to claim 10, wherein the fasteners include screws.
 12. The physical exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion includes a flexible material.
 13. A physical exercise device comprising: a base frame positionable generally horizontally on a floor surface; and an upright frame connected to the base frame via a coupling part, the upright frame rising from the base frame and having a grip portion above the base frame, the base frame and the upright frame delimiting at least partially a space below the grip portion for positioning a user's body; wherein the upright frame and the coupling part are slidable along the base frame, and the upright frame is slidable upward and downward relative to the coupling part and the base frame for adjusting a height of the grip portion above the base frame.
 14. The physical exercise device according to claim 13, wherein the base frame has a closed shape.
 15. The physical exercise device according to claim 13, wherein the base frame is a generally rectangular frame.
 16. The physical exercise device according to claim 13, wherein the upright frame includes two side segments and a cross bar, the two side segments having lower ends respectively connected to the base frame, and the cross bar being oppositely connected to the two side segments and having the grip portion placed thereon.
 17. The physical exercise device according to claim 13, wherein a vertical position of the upright frame relative to the base frame is locked with a plurality of fasteners engaging with the coupling part and the upright frame.
 18. The physical exercise device according to claim 17, wherein the fasteners include screws. 